Air Masses and Fronts

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

A large body of air with about the same temperature and humidity throughout.

Front

What type of front is formed when a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass?

Back

Cold front.

Front

What type of precipitation is commonly associated with a cold front?

Back

Thunderstorms or severe weather.

Front

What happens to warm air in an occluded front?

Back

Warm air rises up between two cold air masses.

Front

If an air mass forms over land, what is its typical moisture content?

Back

Dry.

Front

What is a warm front?

Back

A boundary where a warm air mass slides over a cold air mass.

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with a warm front?

Back

Steady rain and gradual temperature increase.

Front

What is a stationary front?

Back

A front where two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other.

Front

What is an occluded front?

Back

A front formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground.

Front

What is the role of air pressure in weather systems?

Back

Air pressure differences drive wind and influence weather patterns.